From left to right, ETSU baseball players Stephen Douglas, Caleb Moore John Weddle and Richie Billings hang out with children from the First Christian Church Preschool in Johnson City.

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 12, 2003) - Despite finding themselves in what is arguably the most challenging time of their season, the East Tennessee State University Buccaneer baseball team took time out on Tuesday to help assist with field day activities at the First Christian Church Preschool in Johnson City.
Members of the team were involved in all of the day's activities, including face painting, hula-hoop competitions, and basketball shooting contests. The players also took the time out to sign plenty of autographs and pose for pictures with the children.
"We want community service to be an important aspect of a student-athletes life at ETSU," said head coach Tony Skole. "We have great guys in this program and they enjoy being around kids and making their day. This is just a lot of fun for our entire team."
The Bucs, who are currently 25-23 and enjoying one of their best seasons in recent memory, open a three-game series with Big East Conference member West Virginia on Thursday. The team will then return home to finish their regular season home schedule with five games in six days, beginning when Tennessee Tech visits Cardinal Park next Tuesday at 7 p.m. ETSU will then face another Big East foe Virginia Tech on Wednesday, followed by a three-game Southern Conference set with Furman that starts on Friday. The team will then begin preparations for the Southern Conference Tournament, May 26-29 in Charleston, S.C.
Next week, fans are encouraged to attend all the homes games, as each night special promotions are planned. Check out www.etsubucs.com for more information.